Pryor Creek council pauses transfer of $30,000 from PYO sale amid debate over Graham Community Building repairs

Council members debated a proposed reimbursement of $30,000 to the city’s general repair and maintenance account from proceeds of the PYO building sale.

Proponents said the funds should be earmarked for repair of the Graham Community Building and other existing city facilities, arguing that without an explicit earmark the money risks being spent elsewhere. Opponents and other council members said the city’s capital account structure and the broader general-fund shortfall require a careful assessment; some council members urged that the city’s Economic Development and Tourism Authority (EDTA) first evaluate whether a full restoration of the Graham Community Building is feasible before allocating the money to a long-term capital project.

City staff and council members noted the building’s long-standing structural and roofing problems, previous insurance (OMAG) claims that were denied, and plumbing and roof-fascia issues that require engineering assessment. A council member said the general repair account (capital account 12133) currently holds roughly $12,033, not the full $30,000 in question.

After extended discussion about budget priorities, capital fund vs. operating fund responsibilities, and the need for a structural assessment, the council voted for no action and asked staff to have EDTA and the budget committee evaluate options. Several members said they would prefer moving capital monies to address immediate safety or employee workspace issues, but agreed the assessment should precede earmarking.

The council did not approve an immediate transfer; city staff said they will return an update after EDTA’s review and budget committee analysis.